Social media campaign aimed at removing mental health stigma

Mental health issues affect one in four of us, but studies show that just having someone to talk to can help those suffering.

With the use of social media, we know that our friends are never far away and easily contactable. One initiative called ‘I Will Listen' wants to use this to create an online support group to help people who are suffering with their mental health.

The ‘I Will Listen' campaign has been created by the New York City chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and JWT New York. The idea is pretty simple; people simply have to pledge on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Viemo to listen and support people who are struggling with their mental health.

"This can let people know ahead of time that you are there for them," says NAMI-NYC development and communications director Colleen Kane, reports Scientific American.

The campaign began on October 2nd last year and has gained over 12,000 pledges.

"One in four Americans may experience some form of mental illness," Kane says. "But four in four people can participate and make a difference."

This post has been written by our sister company, The Media Bubble, who specialise in social media for people with additional needs.

By Laura Matthews

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